Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Closed Saturday & Sunday (June-Sept.)

**Limited Hours on Friday, 9/13/19- OPEN 1:00-4:00 PM**

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Four New Local History Puzzles now available!

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Four new puzzles have just arrived at the History Center bookstore! Three join our existing inventory of historic Utica scenes - the Stanley Theater, Olbiston Apartments and Boston Store- and a fourth features the toboggan slide at Sylvan Beach. Each 504 piece puzzle measures 16” x 20” and retails for $17.99 plus tax. 

Welcome to the oneida county history center, preserving history and promoting the culture of the Greater Mohawk Valley since 1876

2019 Hall of Fame and Living Legends Named!

Three new exhibits now on display!

Three new exhibits created by summer interns David, Derek, Emily, and Kennen opened on August 28, 2019 and will be on display throughout the coming year.  Each invites you to explore a different facet of Oneida County History from the colonial era to present day. Visit our exhibits page for more information. 

ONLINE BOOKSTORE

Wednesday, September 11 at 5:30 pm - Jesse Williams and the First Cheese Factory​

Jesse Williams, a successful farmer and cheese maker in Rome, NY, believed that farmers could maximize their profits by working together as cooperative dairies.  He started the first cheese factory in the US and revolutionized agriculture locally and nationally nation. Join Patrick Reynolds, Rome Historical Society Museum Educator, to sample the history behind the modern cheese industry. Free!

Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30 pm - The Young Liberators: 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the Normandy Campaign (FILM)

World War II Veteran Kenneth C. Thayer and co-author Allan D. Foote retell the supreme bravery and sacrifice made by the 30th Infantry Division GIs during World War II in the European Theatre. This program is based upon their book The Young Liberators and is the world premiere of The Young Liberators: Normandy documentary film . Free!

Thursday, September 19 at 6:00 pm- Behind Utica's Mayors

Join local historian and O-D columnist Frank Tomaino to discuss the development of his Utica mayors series.  Frank will share the ins and outs of writing a biweekly column and the relevance of this series to local history and the community. O-D staff will also be available to answer questions.

Wednesday, September 25 from 5:00-8:00 pm- Hall of Fame & Living Legends Awards Banquet at Hart’s Hill Inn

Celebrate the 2019 inductees of the Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends at our annual awards banquet. Help us honor the inductees for their service to the community and for furthering the region's industries, culture, and educational opportunities.  Tickets should be purchased in advance by calling 315-735-3642. Tickets are $50 for OCHC members and $60 for the general public.

Upcoming Programs- Fall 2019

Saturday, September 28 from 2:00-4:00 pm – Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and MVLA Annual Membership Meeting

Saturday, October 5 at 1:00 pm- Utica's Historic Olmsted Park and Parkway System with Phil Bean

Saturday, October 19 at 1:00 pm- Central New York Brewing History with Dan Schumway

Support the Oneida County History Center - Donate Now

2019 Telethon Sponsors

Living Legends

Class of 2019

Programs & events

Membership is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Oneida County's past, present, and future.

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​Oneida County History Center

Make Your Mark in History 

 Visit the History Center's NEW online bookstore for a great selection of local history books and merchandise.  Our entire inventory is now available to purchase online!  From historical fiction and local ghost stories, to puzzles and biographies, we have something for every local history fan. Shop now!

The Oneida County Historical Hall of Fame, begun in 1946, has named five individuals to its 2019 inductee class: Spanish American and World War I veteran Sgt. Charles Adrean, Utica Mayor Boyd Golder, Jewish community advocate Libby Sherman Kowalsky, broadcast personality and Holocaust survivor Julian Noga, and "the father of college hockey," Albert Prettyman. The Hall of Famers will be inducted alongside the 2019 Richard W. Couper ‘Living Legends’ class: Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, retired Observer-Dispatch publisher and president Donna Donovan, beloved bakery and restaurant owners Segean and Mary Ann Karam, jazz musician Monk Rowe, and Oneida County Legislator Ed Welsh. 

This year's inductees will be honored at the History Center's annual Historical Hall of Fame and Living Legends Awards Banquet at Hart's Hill Inn on Wednesday, September 25, starting at 5:00 pm.  Tickets should be purchased in advance by calling the History Center at 315-735-3642 or by mail using the form below.  Prices are $50 for current OCHC members, $60 for the general public, and $440 for tables of eight. More information about the honorees can be found on the website's News Page.